Commercial Architecture January/February 2016 - (Page 45)

PROJECT building technology Designed by architect Renzo Piano and situated near New York City's Hudson River, the Whitney's new building increases exhibition and programming space. The Whitney Is Wired For Sound, Video State-of-the-art electronic and audiovisual components create a multimedia experience at the art museum. he new Whitney Museum of American Art near T Cerami & Associates, New York, a consultancy in completed over a 16-month span. The new technical spac- New York City's High Line is a masterpiece of acoustical, audiovisual, IT, and security design, designed es include an education center; a multi-use black box the- architecture. But what's behind the walls is just the systems for new theaters and interactive audiovisual ater for film, video, and performance; a 170-seat theater as notable: state-of-the-art custom electronics, and audio- systems throughout the museum. Gardiner & Theobald, with views to the river; a conservation lab; and a library visual and IT installations that create a seamless multi- New York, the owner's representatives for the museum, reading room. media experience for patrons. selected Cerami & Associates for the project, based on the Cerami planners tailored the acoustical design of each Designed by architect Renzo Piano and situated near consultant's strong history with the Whitney, having space to support the exhibits, events, and special func- the Hudson River, the Whitney's new building "vastly worked on renovations and exhibits in the museum's prior tions held at the Whitney. Special control using an acous- increases the museum's exhibition and programming location. tically isolated design ensures that all of the varied func- space, offering the most expansive display ever of its un- Cerami & Associates' representatives worked closely tions in the galleries are clear and comfortable for patrons surpassed collection of modern and contemporary Amer- with the project team to understand the design brief and and visitors, particularly in the theatre, where control of ican art," museum officials said. concepts for the museum. They interviewed key stake- the West Side Highway traffic noise outdoors was critical. holders and user groups to determine the needs and re- Because the main focus of the museum is film, the Opened in early 2015, the building gives the Whitney a total of 50,000 sq. ft. of gallery space and 13,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space facing the High Line for installations, performances, and events. quirements for each space. Cerami firm designed AV systems for state-of-the-art film The firm also provided extensive digital signage and processing and surround-sound audio support, as well as an assistive-listening device system in the galleries, all the capacity to support any live theatrical event or func- commercialarchitecturemagazine.com JAN/FEB 2016 COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE 45 http://www.commercialarchitecturemagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture January/February 2016

The Architects
Healthcare Design: Back to Nature
Missoula Aquifer Cools Cancer Center
HVAC & Plumbing Products
Reclaiming The Industrial Past
Interiors Products
Exterior Provides Complete System
Exteriors Products
Plant Gears Up With Skylights
Windows & Doors Products
Jewel Of The Bay
Lighting & Electrical Products
The Whitney Is Wired For Sound, Video
Building Technology Products
Showcase
Index
Portfolio

Commercial Architecture January/February 2016